Military

Further Reading

31 May 2016 Military News

Current Operations

Coalition Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, IraqAFPS 31 May 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

118 militants killed in southern Afghan province in 3 days: officialPeople's Daily 31 May 2016 -- More than 100 armed militants have been killed in Taliban stronghold the southern Helmand province and scores of others injured over the past three days as fierce fighting has been continuing in parts of the restive province, provincial governor Hayatullah Hayat said on Tuesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

AF releases Air Superiority 2030 Flight PlanAFNS 31 May 2016 -- The Air Force released a flight plan directing development activity as a result of a yearlong study focused on developing capability options to ensure joint force air superiority in 2030 and beyond.

Harpers Ferry Helps Solidify U.S. Relationship with JordanNNS 31 May 2016 -- During the month of May, around 3,000 U.S. military personnel who represent United States Central Command and its components, including the crew of dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), participated in exercise Eager Lion 16 with Jordanian Armed Forces.

US increasing air, naval maneuvers in Asia Pacific: ReportPress TV 31 May 2016 -- The United States has dramatically increased its military maneuvers across the South China Sea over the past months, prompting angry protests from China and Russia who accuse Washington of fueling unrest in the Asia Pacific region.

NATO Secretary General previews Warsaw Summit in speech at Warsaw UniversityNATO 31 May 2016 -- On the second day of his visit to Poland (31 May 2016) the NATO Secretary General met with the Prime Minister Beata Szydło, Minister of Defence Antoni Macierewicz and with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Witold Waszczykowski to discuss NATO's response to a more challenging security environment and preparations for the Warsaw Summit.

NATO plans to station rotating force near Russia borderPress TV 31 May 2016 -- NATO has announced plans to station a rotating force near the border with Russia amid allegations made by members of the Western military alliance concerning the "potential threat" of Russian aggression.

Australia –SM-2 Block IIIB STANDARD MissilesDSCA 31 May 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for SM-2 Block IIIB STANDARD missiles, equipment, and support. The estimated cost is $301 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 27, 2016.

China 'to press US' on maritime issuesPeople's Daily 31 May 2016 -- Beijing will pressure Washington over maritime issues during the upcoming annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue, as the United States' increasing military presence in the South China Sea is among China's major concerns, officials told China Daily.

Iran Navy to send 41st flotilla to high seasPress TV 31 May 2016 -- The 41st flotilla of the Iranian Navy plans to set off for high seas to safeguard maritime routes used by Iranian vessels operating in international waters.

Commentary: Asia-Pacific Rebalance, an unjust strategy that finds little supportPeople's Daily 31 May 2016 -- During his recent visit to Vietnam and Japan, U.S. President Barack Obama has been advocating the Asia-Pacific Rebalance strategy, drawing wide attention from the international community. Some western media even applaud this kind of strategy, claiming that the U.S. is capable of building stronger alliance ties with countries that are China's concerns.

Saudi Arabia Agrees on Ceasefire on Border With YemenSputnik 31 May 2016 -- Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir said Tuesday that Riyadh had reached an arrangement on a ceasefire at the Saudi-Yemeni border in order to provide access for humanitarian aid coming to the war torn country.

Senior UN relief officials express concern over Syrians trapped by fighting in northern AleppoUN News 31 May 2016 -- Two United Nations humanitarian officials expressed deep concerned over the fate of an estimated 8,000 Syrians trapped by fighting around the towns of Mare'a and Sheikh Issa in northern Aleppo Governorate following advances in the past three days by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) into areas controlled by non-State armed groups.

Raqqa Offensive Brings Syrian Talks in Geneva to 'Deadlock'Sputnik 31 May 2016 -- After Syrian Kurds backed by the US and Russia launched an assault on Raqqa, the capital of the Daesh "caliphate" the Geneva peace talks have become at risk of disruption. However, Moscow and Washington are interested in the continuation of the negotiations.

Thousands of desperate civilians on the run as battle for Fallujah continues - UNUN News 31 May 2016 -- Nearly 3,700 people, or 624 families, have fled Fallujah over the past week amid a new offensive by Iraqi forces to retake the besieged city from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh), the United Nations said today, with humanitarian officials also reporting that those civilians left behind risk being used as 'human shields' by the terrorists.

Kerry Heads to Paris in Hopes of Restarting Mideast TalksVOA 31 May 2016 -- With Israel's ultranationalist new Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman saying he backs a two-state solution, analysts say the Paris ministerial meeting aimed at ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict later this week may get Israel to "acquiesce somewhat" to move the peace process forward, despite low expectations of a breakthrough.

Larijani re-elected Iran's Tenth Majlis SpeakerPress TV 31 May 2016 -- Ali Larijani has been re-elected as the speaker of Iran's Tenth Majlis (parliament) to serve in the post during the first year of the legislative body's four-year term.